Best Preparations for Gorilla trekking

Before embarking on going for gorilla trekking safari in Africa, keep in mind that mountain gorillas live on higher elevations of tropical and sub tropical rain-forests of Virunga volcanoes straddling across Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Trekking mountain gorillas will need the trekkers to be in good physical state because you will hike to find mountain gorillas and sometimes the trekking trails are very muddy, steep and slippery especially in the wet season. The disabled can also trek gorillas by use of sedan seat stretchers.

Also keep in mind that weather can become unpredictable in some cases where it will shine in one moment and it rains another minute. There are also lots of stinging insects as you’re in the true African jungle but those who endure never regret the experience of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat. To prepare for your gorilla trek in Africa, you need the following on check.

Physical fitness

When going for gorilla trekking, you will be hiking steep slopes to access a mountain gorilla family which will require one to be physically fit. You need to engage in several exercises before the actual trekking date.

Book permit in advance

Though gorilla trekking is the most expensive tourists activity in Africa it doesn’t stop tourists flocking in thousands every to trek mountain gorillas. You need to book your gorilla permit 3-6 months in advance before the actual trekking date due to high demand, if you don’t book in advance you might fly in to the country and find no permits available on that particular day you want to trek.

Get your gears ready

You will need good hiking boots to traverse the rain forest jungle, water proof boots are better just in case it rains while you do the activity. Garden gloves will also be very helpful because at some point you will need to support yourself with hands on the ground.

Rain jackets is one of a must haves while going for gorilla trekking this is because rain may fall during the trek, warm clothes will also be essential because temperatures can become very cold you will need long sleeved to prevent yourself from being stung by nettles.

You will also need a walking stick that can be purchased at the park headquarters or you can carry your own, the stick will save you from slipping off the slippery grass, falling and walk over uneven terrain.

Taking drinking water for a gorilla trek is very important because you will spend about 5-6 hours trekking or sometimes even a whole day and you will need some drinking water to cool off at every stop over. Energy giving snacks are also good so that they boost you energy as you go on with the hike.

You would not want to trek mountain gorillas without capturing the life time experience in your camera however mountain gorillas don’t like flash cameras so it’s better to turn off the flash when taking pictures, the lenses help with more clear and better views and the binoculars are for bird lovers as you will come across various species during the gorilla trekking. You must also bring along insect repellents in order to avoid being stung by several insect like mosquitoes that cause malaria.